Gold

His hands are like rods of gold set with [nails of] beryl or topaz.  Song of Solomon 5:14a AMP.

The rod can and was used for offensive purposes - When going after a wolf or lion that snatches a sheep - Moses for example in Egypt.

 Here they represent the very opposite of that.  They are the hands of a tenacious defender.  Nehemiah comes to mind.

Their enemies had sunk so low that they hired a false prophet to come and pronounce judgement on Nehemiah.  They trumped up a totally bogus proclamation in order to frighten Nehemiah and the builders into giving up.

Nehemiah prayed, "Lord strengthen our hands!"

Think of a soccer match.  The only player on the field that gets to use his/her hands is the goalie.  If the ball gets past the goalie it's a point for the opposing team.

But as Shulamite is saying here, "His hands are not just any old hands.  His hands are like rods of gold."

The defenders have their work cut out for them.  It's going to be a long night and shots will be fired before it's all said and done but, "Hold on, help has been dispatched."

By Grace,

Travis P. Dickerson